Velma was born on Oct 8, 1927 and passed away peacefully on Jan 6, 2024. She considered herself blessed to have lived in Victoria and on the Saanich Peninsula her entire life. She was predeceased by Glen, her loving husband of 70 years in 2019, sister Mary Hughes Cumberbirch and brother Pat Mclorie.
After graduating from Vic High (and Oaklands), she and her two BFFs enjoyed working as bank tellers. While cruising aboard the Princess Maquinna to visit family in Tofino, Mom captivated a dashing CPR ship’s officer. They married in 1949 and settled on the Saanich Peninsula to raise an assortment of kids, gardens, chickens, dogs, cats, cattle and horses. She was a proud, loving mom to Kathie (Malcolm), Norm, Hugh (Nicole) and Jean (Kermit); a doting grandma to Jonah, Shevaun, Dylan (Monica), Tess and Fen and great grandma to Glen.
She treasured each of her neighbours, loved travels and cowboy life on Hugh’s ranches. She passionately researched our Family Trees, even travelling to Ontario and Scotland to dig through genealogical archives. In her 60s, she combined her love for people and numbers into a career as a financial advisor. She served on the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Board and Auxiliary. She was a member of the C. Saanich Seniors and led an active, far ranging walking group. As a N. Saanich PEO sister, she passionately supported the advancement of women through education. She loved the LORD and their Elk Lake Baptist family, serving on the building committee and as treasurer and moderator.
A huge Thank You to the wonderful staff at The Summit LTC for their kindness and care since May 2021.
We invite you to a Celebration of Velma’s Life at Elk Lake Baptist Church, 5349 Patricia Bay Hwy., on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:30 pm.
In lieu flowers, perhaps a donation to the PEO Scholarship Fund or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be shared below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ian Perry
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Beverly Bailey (Morris) Velma was our mother’s childhood best friend. Mary Morris (McBain). They lived on Belmont Ave and went to Oakland’s school together. They became neighbors again in their 90s in assisted living – right across the hall. The proximity to her childhood friend prompted our mom to share so many memories and stories I had never heard before. Our mom will be sad to hear her friend has passed and I am grateful to Velma and your family for the love and positive influence they had on our mom as a young girl. Rest in Peace Velma, together again with Captain Glen.
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Hazel Throness Lovely lady. Sorry that I didn’t have a chance to meet her in person in this world ♥️♥️
Dear Kathie, Norm, Hugh and Jean and families – We are so very sorry to hear of Velma’s passing. She and I connected only during the past 15 years or so and, since we both had an interest in our family genealogies, we hit it off right away. We had many lovely visits discussing our families, how they were connected (she would be so excited to show me her latest discovery) and our lives in general (including all of you!). She is very sorely missed – I have so many family history questions yet to ask her! Our sincere condolences: Ian, Ingrid and Jennifer Perry